The CW wrapped up upfront week with an announcement of its own upcoming TV season, where “Supergirl” swoops in from big sister CBS along with three new series, one of which is based on Archie comics.
The CW seems the home for comic book-derived series, having had success with “Arrow” and “The Flash” and “DC Legends of Tomorrow.”
So it makes sense that “Supergirl,” which started its first season on CBS, would be famed out to the more comic-friendly environs of the network, where plans are already in the works for some crossover specials.
“Riverdale,” based on the Archie Comics but with a darker twist, indicates the network is open to non-superhero franchises as well.
Here’s a lot at the new series announced Thursday:
- “No Tomorrow” is romantic comedy about a guy (Joshua Sasse) who believes the world will end with an asteroid collision in eight months, so he convinces a risk-averse girl (Tori Anderson) to live life to the fullest and fulfill their bucket lists. Based on a Brazilian show, it premieres Tuesdays in the fall.
- “Frequency” is an unusual cop drama about a detective (Peyton List) who starts to be contacted by her father (Riley Smith), a cop who was killed in an undercover sting operation 20 years earlier. The mode of communication is a crackly police radio. Wednesdays this fall.
- “Riverdale” has characters with the names of the Archie comics, but a way different story, with Archie (JKJ Apa) wanting a career in music, who has a relationship with the music teacher Ms. Grundy (Sarah Habel). Early Josie (Ashleigh Murray) of the forthcoming Pussycats is a rival; Betty and Veronica fit in, though the latter is a new student. And there’s a murder and surviving twin that were never part of the comics series. From Greg Berlanti and company, who are behind all of the CW comics series. Midseason.
Returning shows are “Jane the Virgin,” “The Flash,” “Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “Supernatural,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “iZombie,” “The 100,” “Reign” and “The Originals.”
“Supergirl” is at once returning and new to the CW schedule.
Not returning to the roster: “Containment” and “America’s Next Top Model” (which will be resurrected on VH1).